Climate change degrades buildings slowly but steadily

While natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires can destroy buildings in minutes, other factors exacerbated by climate change degrade buildings more slowly but still cause costly damage.

Resiliency

U.S. is reducing floodplain development in most areas

The perception that the U.S. has not been able to curb development in flood-prone areas is mostly inaccurate, according to new research from climate adaptation experts. A national survey of floodplain development between 2001 and 2019 found that fewer structures were built in floodplains than might be expected if cities were building at random.

Resiliency

Phius introduces retrofit standard for more resilient buildings

Phius recently released, REVIVE 2024, a retrofit standard for more resilient buildings. The standard focuses on resilience against grid outages by ensuring structures remain habitable for at least a week during extreme weather events.

Resiliency

Austin area evacuation center will double as events venue

A new 45,000 sf FEMA-operated evacuation shelter in the Greater Austin metropolitan area will begin construction this fall. The center will be available to house people in the event of a disaster such as a major hurricane and double as an events venue when not needed for emergency shelter.

Seismic Design | Jul 28, 2016

Risk of man-made earthquakes now factor in seismic hazard analysis

Significant risk increases seen in some areas of the U.S.

Resiliency | Jul 27, 2016

New York’s resilience plans not taking long-term view, critics charge

Continued waterfront development may be regretted later this century.

Resiliency | Jul 18, 2016

Impact fees on development proposed to fund Miami’s rising sea level resiliency plans

$400 million flood plan includes new valves, pumps, and raised roadways.

Resiliency | Jun 1, 2016

Federal agencies boost standards for more resilient construction

HUD, FEMA, GSA, Army Corps of Engineers make policy changes.

Green | May 31, 2016

Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee

Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf.

Resiliency | May 12, 2016

Resilience Building Coalition releases progress report

The coalition released a set of guiding principles to help the building industry adopt resilient design and policies. Since the initial signing, the coalition has added 19 new signatories.